World leaders descend on Beijing as 2026 kicks off, hedging against U.S. disruptions

Group 1 - Countries that previously avoided engagement with China during its trade dispute with the U.S. are now sending leaders to Beijing for meetings and business deals [1][2] - At least five national leaders, including those from the UK and Canada, have visited Xi Jinping in January, marking significant diplomatic activity [2] - The visits from Canadian and British leaders are the first in at least eight years, indicating a shift in diplomatic relations following the reopening of China's borders in early 2023 [3] Group 2 - The recent diplomatic visits are seen as managed resets rather than a strategic pivot towards China, reflecting rising uncertainty in U.S. policy [3][4] - Keeping communication channels open with China is increasingly viewed as preferable to disengagement, especially as the benefits of selective resets become more apparent [4] - China aims to position itself as a partner for developing countries and a stabilizing force globally, leveraging the current geopolitical climate [5]